Abstract
Background
Posterior fixation without fusion can treat thoracolumbar and lumbar traumatic fractures effectively. However, whether patients benefit from implant removal, as well as the correlation between the range of motion (ROM) of the involved segments and the removal time, has not been determined.
Methods
Fifty consecutive cases with thoracolumbar traumatic fractures that had undergone implant removal at different times were enrolled. We found 17 patients (Group A), 21 patients (Group B), and 12 patients (Group C) underwent implant removal following the index surgery within 12 months, between 12 to 24 months, and over 24 months, respectively. Clinical and radiological outcomes, including visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain, patient satisfaction, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) for quality of life and segmental ROM were analyzed.
Results
The average follow-up time was 9.1 ± 5.7 months after implant removal. There were no significant differences in VAS and patient satisfaction among the three groups at the same observation time points. Patients of group A gained the lowest ODI and highest EQ-5D scores after removal and at final follow-up than those in group B and C. The best ROM was obtained in Group A followed by Group B and C (11.5 ± 6.2°, 5.5 ± 1.6° and 2.4 ± 0.6°, respectively).
Conclusions
Immobilization of the involved segments over 24 months may lead to ankylosis. Regained segmental ROM is correlated negatively with implant removal time. Patients have implant removal within 12 months can gain a better quality of life.